History of Greenville, California in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 14, 2024

Greenville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Plumas County, California. Located in Indian Valley, the community suffered significant damage from the Dixie Fire in 2021. As of the 2010 census, Greenville had a population of 1,129, a decrease from its population of 1,160 in 2000. The CDP encompasses a total area of 8.0 square miles, entirely composed of land.

1900: Shift in Greenville's Main Industries

By the mid-1900s, mining in Greenville had declined, leading to logging and ranching becoming the primary industries.

1920: Boarding School Fire and Land Conversion

In the 1920s, a fire destroyed the boarding school built on land granted to the Maidu tribe by the US government. The land was later converted into a Rancheria.

2000: Greenville Population Recorded by US Census

The 2000 US Census recorded Greenville's population at 1,160.

2000: Census Illuminates Greenville's Household Composition

The 2000 census provides insights into Greenville's household composition, including family size, marital status, and age demographics.

2010: Greenville Population Recorded by US Census

The 2010 US Census recorded Greenville's population at 1,129, a decrease from the 2000 census.

2010: Greenville's Demographics Captured in Census

The 2010 census provides a detailed breakdown of Greenville's racial and ethnic makeup, revealing a predominantly White population with significant Hispanic or Latino and Native American communities.

2020: August Complex Fire

The August Complex fire of 2020 is recognized as the largest overall wildfire in California's history, surpassing even the Dixie Fire in scale.

August 4, 2021: Dixie Fire Devastates Greenville

On August 4, 2021, the Dixie Fire ravaged Greenville, destroying 75% of its buildings, including the library, fire department, and most downtown homes.

August 2021: Dixie Fire Destroys Greenville

In August 2021, the Dixie Fire, the largest single wildfire in California's history, swept through Greenville, destroying approximately 75% of the town's buildings.